Boucles de l'Aulne 2025, the last race before the Giro d'Italia, but the first of the 4 French classics to be held this week, took place on Thursday, May 8. And the winner was Lewis Askey, who delivered a superb performance when it mattered. The British rider has given Groupama - FDJ a superb victory, which had all the spotlight on it as the most prominent local team. Askey overtook the entire peloton on the final climb to the finish, and with a powerful attack, he managed to avoid the sprint and take the victory.
Behind, Pau Miquel came close to the podium, finishing 4th, with Benoit Cosnefroy and Clement Venturini completing the podium. Movistar Team was very active all day, but could only come out of the race with a Top 10 thanks to Gonzalo Serrano's 9th place.
As the cycling world turns its gaze towards the Giro d'Italia, which is set to kick off soon, many are already speculating about potential outcomes and key contenders. Predictions for the 2025 Giro d'Italia have started circulating, with betting odds reflecting the competitive landscape. Primoz Roglic stands out with a 40% win probability, while Juan Ayuso follows closely behind with a 33% chance of taking the title. Adam Yates, Antonio Tiberi, and Mikel Landa are also among the names to watch, with probabilities ranging from 5% to 13%.
Notably, the battle for the young rider classification in the Giro d'Italia is heating up. Many young talents are expected to make their mark in this year's race. The most recent winners of the young rider classification include Antonio Tiberi in 2024, Joao Almeida in 2023, and Egan Bernal in 2021. This year, the competition is fierce, with several riders emerging as favorites for the white jersey.
Juan Ayuso is widely considered the top favorite for the young rider classification. Having recently won the Tirreno-Adriatico, Ayuso is looking to build on his success in the Giro. He is set to lead UAE Emirates-XRG alongside Adam Yates, especially with the absence of Tadej Pogacar from the lineup. Ayuso's goal is to take the next step in his career, and the Giro presents an ideal opportunity for him to shine.
In second place among the favorites is Antonio Tiberi, who won the white jersey last year. The Italian from Bahrain Victorious is his team's undisputed leader and will be supported by experienced riders like Damiano Caruso and Pello Bilbao. Tiberi's confidence is high following a strong performance at Tirreno-Adriatico, where he finished third.
Isaac del Toro from UAE Emirates-XRG is also in the mix, having competed in his first grand tour last year. He has shown promising form in recent races and is expected to play a supporting role in the Giro. Meanwhile, Max Poole from Picnic PostNL is looking to make a name for himself as he approaches the Giro with two GC leaders. His strong performances in the past, including a top ten finish at the Vuelta, have set high expectations.
Other young riders to watch include Giulio Pellizzari, who impressed last season at the Giro, and Davide Piganzoli, who finished 13th in his debut Giro last year. Marco Frigo and Luke Plapp are also noteworthy mentions, with Plapp looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued season.
As the countdown to the Giro d'Italia continues, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how these young talents will perform. The race promises excitement, with seasoned veterans and rising stars battling it out on the roads of Italy.
With the Boucles de l'Aulne 2025 now in the books, the cycling community is buzzing with anticipation for the Giro d'Italia. Lewis Askey's victory serves as a reminder of the fierce competition that lies ahead in the coming weeks. As teams finalize their rosters and strategies, all eyes will be on the riders as they prepare for one of the most prestigious events in the cycling calendar.
In conclusion, the Giro d'Italia 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling event, with a mix of young talent and experienced riders vying for glory. As predictions and odds circulate, fans are left wondering who will emerge victorious in this year's race. The excitement is palpable as the cycling world gears up for what promises to be an unforgettable Giro.
